I've had the ugliest taxes this year of my life thus far. Lived in two states, got married, bought a house, worked three jobs (one as a contractor), cashed out some investments to help pay for the house -- and then my husband's got his hand in 3 different businesses, himself.

Fortunately, HE is taking care of the taxes. He's spent hours and hours on them already, and has already pulled them up again tomorrow. (It's one of my top 10 favorite things about my husband -- he's great with money and numbers and will willingly do all the taxes.)

We're going out tomorrow to celebrate just being DONE with it. Assuming that he does get done today.

I guess I can look at it this way. The checks are my pre-paid premiums for my future Medicare insurance and help cover the social security checks I will get someday. Some of my money goes for our roads and the military and they waste the rest.

Oh, and Sea Urchin? Your taxes do sound dreadful. I had one consulting job last year and that was bad enough. I'm hoping to have none this year. It'll simplify tax time and I want to drive down our income so when we fill out the FAFSA next year, schools will think we're poor.

The Blonde and I got to keep some of ours this year, mirabile dictu. She has an accountant because of her business, so we get a few breaks. Back before we got married, my attitude on this (taxes) was, "Let me know if you see anything else you want while you're looking". rialby is right about Boortz; people don't seem to get the concept that it's their money, not a gift.